Santa Monica’s Montana Avenue’s pockmarked with sad empty stores and “For Lease” signs these days, but at least one green-minded business seems to be keeping busy. Palmetto, a beauty store specializing in organic and natural products, attracted a steady stream of shoppers seeking beauty sans weird chemicals when I stopped by on Sunday.
“Green for 25 years,” boast the writing on Palmetto’s glassy walls, and the yummy beauty products for sale really do reflect that eco-claim. Here, green beauty seekers can smell and sample organic and natural products from eco-minded companies like 100% Pure, Chivas Skin Care, Soaptopia, and many more. I turned a lot of lotion bottles over to read the labels — and didn’t see a single mention of parabens!
The products here tend to be mid-range to higher-end indulgences — so don’t expect drugstore prices. Still, many products are fairly affordable, and a sale section in the back offers amazing discounts on samples and discontinued products.
Palmetto’s a great spot to shop for last minute gifts — like these cute novelty soaps. The store also carries makeup, some jewelry, and phthalate-free bath toys.
If you’ve ever shopped for natural skin care products, you know that the process can be hit or miss — and very disappointing when you spend extra money for a greener product that ends up being a total disappointment. Palmetto gives you a chance to try these green products yourself before parting with your cash.
Palmetto (site currently not loading). 2 locations: 1034 Montana Ave. Santa Monica. 310.395.6687; 8321 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. 323.653.2470.
excellent! Always on the lookout, and my last purchase of organic face cream was a splurge at whole foods :( I like it but don’t love it. Good to hear they’re ok with you trying things first. Nice pun, pockmarked. Ha.
Comment by jeannie — February 4, 2010 @ 10:27 am
Thanks! Obviously the cleansers and stuff are going to be tough to really try out the way you’d use in yr own bathroom, but Palmetto’s great at least for trying lotions and balms :)
Comment by Siel — February 8, 2010 @ 5:30 pm